Book review: Rescuing Christmas (Anthology) with Vicki Lewis Thompson, Catherine Mann, Kathie DeNoski

Holiday Haven by Vicki Lewis Thompson All Ben Rhodes wants for Christmas is to be left alone. And yet, in a fit of Christmas-cheer-induced insanity, he agrees to help beautiful shelter director Tansy Dexter find homes for all her rambunctious animals. Little does he know that the one truly in need of a loving home this season …is him.

Home for Christmas by Catherine Mann

Information from Ms Mann's newsletter: For those of you who enjoyed my Wingmen Warrior series, this story features Zach Dawson's daughter Shelby, all grown up and ready for her own happily ever after with a flyboy!

Shelby Conrad has had more than her fair share of silent nights. But even though her husband, Tech Sergeant Alex Conrad, is coming home in time for Christmas, Shelby isn't sure he's in time to save their marriage. Can a road trip to deliver three shelter dogs to their new homes teach the couple that the most precious gift of all is hope?

A Puppy for Will by Kathie DeNosky

Will Parker hasn't exactly had all his hopes and dreams met, but work has filled the gaps in his life. Or so he thinks…until an energetic and large Saint Bernard foster puppy and Will's cute neighbor Macie Fairbanks introduce him to the best thing about Christmas and life—unconditional love.

This anthology revolves around a no kill shelter run by Tansy Dexter from the first novella in this book. The characters then are loosely woven together because of that. There's nothing over the top in this book like you might find in some Christmas anthology books.  I really enjoyed all three of these and let loose a giggle or two as well. Tansy is a sweetheart from Holiday Haven and she runs the shelter. She gets some help from  Ben Rhodes no matter how much he wants to resist her he can't. Then in Home for Christmas Shelby and Alex are one step away from divorce although neither really wants that they can't figure out how to communicate their needs to each other. Shelby hopes a road trip to deliver adopted dogs will help with that. Lastly Will Parker's takes in a puppy St Benard for the holidays to help out the shelter even though now days he fancies himself a loner and work a holic. Two bad his new sexy neighbor doesn't know that. For a nice easy enjoyable read this is a great holiday anthology to start with. 4 out of 5 stars for Rescuing Christmas!

Find out more here:
Catherine Mann www.catherinemann.com
Vicki Lewis Thompson www.vickilewisthompson.com
Kathie DeNosky www.kathiedenosky.com

Book review: Animal Attraction (Animal Book 2) by author Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis October 7, 2011
ANIMAL ATTRACTION

Berkley Mass Market
Animal Magnetism
Book Two
Available at Amazon and B&N online and in bookstores.

Jade Bennett couldn't be happier to escape her past for the quiet ranching town of Sunshine, Idaho. Plus, there's nothing like working for veterinarian Dell Connelly. And though Dell has no intention of settling down, Jade's strength and sass are enticements no red-blooded male can resist.

Excerpt below:
“Come on, baby,” he murmured. “Give it up for me. You know you want to.”


Jade Bennett did her best to ignore the way the low, sexy voice made her shiver. Besides, it wasn’t aimed at her. Dr. Dell Connelly; dog whisperer, cat whisperer, horse whisperer, and known woman whisperer … was talking to a stray kitten.

The feline in question huddled miserably beneath the bench seat in Dell’s vet center waiting room, staring at him from narrowed eyes, clearly having none of the sweet talk. She was a scruffy/mangy grayish brown with sharp green eyes, and like Jade, not swayed by sweet talkers.

“Huh,” Jade said from behind the reception counter. “Most females leap right into your arms at the slightest encouragement.”

Dell craned his neck and regarded her from eyes as dark as his secrets. “Not all.”

There was a beat of silence during which she did her best not to break eye contact. He was right. Not all females, otherwise she’d have made the leap.

Jill Shalvis has been a must buy for me from the first couple books of hers that i ever read. Animal Attraction is the 2nd book in her Animal series. I read this in two evenings but had i strarted earlier in the day it easily would be a one sitting book. I read Animal Magnetism (book 1) when it came out and was ready for book 2 immediately I enjoyed  it so much.  It was well worth the wait. Dell Connelly and Jade Bennett both have issues. Even though they grew up with very different backgrounds their issues are similar. Both are afraid. Commitment for Dell because he has been abandoned in one way or another all his life. His group of friends he trusts is pretty small. Jade is a part of that circle but still he holds back. Jade used to a very confident person. Nothing fazed her until she was attacked at her work place 18 months ago. She didn't do anything to fight back at her attacker and other people got hurt and she feels guilt but also has not dealt with the after effects of it yet either. Dell knows something happened to Jade but she won't let him in enough to tell him. They bounce off each other though the whole book helping each other but misunderstanding a lot of things too. You wonder if Dell is ever going to get over himself and tell Jade he loves her. It is soooo clearly evident that he does. It's lot of fun watching him try to get there. The banter between all the characters in this book is great and you feel you would like to know these people. Be a part of their circle.  Animal Attraction is another keeper book for me. 5 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick stars.  Next in this series is Dell's brother Adams book. Can't wait. Next book out for Jill is the a Lucky Harbor series book "Head Over Heels" Lucky Harbor book 3.

To find out more about Jill Shalvis books and read excerpts as well as her blog check out her website here www.jillshalvis.com